lots of family, lots of fun!

We found out the week after Thanksgiving that R's Grandpa F has brain cancer and may not be with us for too much longer (thankfully he is doing much better as of late). Due to the fact that we don't know how much time we have left with him, we had alot of family head into town to see Grandpa.

R and I relised that we were very blessed with the fact that we had a house that everyone could come to. (Since R's mom, dad, and sister K moved up to Utah, there was no place for everyone to crash otherwise.) We knew that there was no way that we could have fit everyone in the old apartment, we barely fit in it! So yet another reason why we love this new house.

The Sunday after Christmas we had R's Sister, Aunt A and her family come and stay with us for a week. It was so nice to get to know them better, and to see the kids playing together. (A is still talking about cousin R, and pretends to talk to her on the phone)

A with Cousin R

A on a trip to Gran and Gramp F's house with Aunt A, Uncle W, and cousin R

We also had a chance to spend time with R's other sister C and her family while they were here. (unfortunately I never had my camera out when they were here, I need to get the pics that C took with her camera). We went to the park a couple of times, and we got to spend one night with everyone here at the house... 9 more people than we are used to, but so fun. The adults, besides R (horrible timing, he got the flu), stayed up playing games, talking, and eating root beer floats.

Although it was a bit hectic at times (trying to keep 4 to 7 kids quiet, so that Uncle W could work from the office), it was lots of fun, and we hope that we can do it again some time. Just for a different reason that we all get together.

late but here!

I am horrible at uploading my pictures from the camera in a timely manner... So here are the pictures from Christmas.

The Tree (on a side note, A keeps asking about the tree and commenting on how mommy and daddy put it away, I think she is still upset with us)



The Nativity at the Temple. The kids had lots of fun looking at the lights and Baby Jesus.
Showing off their new Christmas PJ's
Opening presents
Playing with the Potato head toys..... I'm kinda regretting the decision to buy those ones.

Getting farther...

So with all the running I have been doing the last two weeks I am finally able to run almost a whole lap around the 1/2 mile loop. Although my run may be a slow one, I am doing it. Last night the only thing that stopped me from going the whole way was my knee.

Although I am not a fan of pain, I am going to keep the running up. I hope to feel better about the way that I look, and better physically. I am already seeing a difference in the way my pants fit, and how flat my belly is starting to look. R told me the other day as he gave me a hug before going to bed, "don't let this go to your head, but I can tell your loosing weight". Yay, I'm not the only one noticing a difference!

I am so grateful to you wonderful friends that are making it easier to keep this up! and keep encouraging me to go farther! your are wonderful!!!

I suppose I should conclude now, seeings as I now have a very messy little boy to clean up, and a couple of piles of spaghetti to pick up from chair, floor, and table.